James Norval (actor)

James Norval
Born4 March 1908[1]
Died16 November 1970
OccupationActor

James Norval (1908–1970) was a South African theatre and film actor. He initially worked for the Hendrik Hanekom Company.[2] In 1934 Hanekom retired to open a theatre school in Bloemfontein. Norval started his own group, the James Norval Company, and toured with plays such as Die Verlore Siel, Vadertjie Langbeen, Dracula and Gebeurtenis in die Nag.[3][4]

Norval was married to actress Anna Cloete. Their only child, Paddy Norval, sometimes performed with them.[5]

The South African Academy of Science and Arts honoured him with its Medal of Honour for Theatre in 1967.

Filmography

As an actor:[6]

  • Kruger Miljoene, 1967
  • Gevaarlike Spel, 1962
  • Voor sononder, 1962 as gas in hotel
  • Geheim van Onderplaas, 1962
  • Stropers van die Laeveld, 1962
  • The Hellions, 1961 as winkeleienaar (nie gekrediteer nie)
  • Spore in die Modder, 1961
  • Last of the Few, as Paul Kruger
  • Nooi van my Hart, 1959 as mnr. Brand
  • Paul Krüger, 1956 as Paul Krüger
  • 'n Plan is 'n Boerdery, 1954
  • Sarie Marais, 1949 as Hendrik
  • Die kaskenades van Dr. Kwak, 1948
  • Lig van 'n Eeu, 1942

As a director:

  • Spore in die Modder, 1961

References

  1. ^ "James Norval, SA actor, is born in Zastron, Free State. | South African History Online". sahistory.org.za. Retrieved 2025-10-04.
  2. ^ "Die Hanekom Geselskap - ESAT". esat.sun.ac.za. Retrieved 2025-10-04.
  3. ^ James Norval Geselskap op ESAT, besoek op 3 Maart 2013
  4. ^ "James Norval". MUBI. Retrieved 2025-10-04.
  5. ^ Wallis, F. (2000). Nuusdagboek: feite en fratse oor 1000 jaar, Kaapstad: Human & Rousseau
  6. ^ "James Norval | Actor, Director". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-10-04.